As we transition towards an energy mix, one question pervades: what do we do when the sun’s not shining and the wind’s not blowing?
Flexible and firming energy sources (like quick-start gas generation and large-scale battery storage - like the ESCRI), that can supply energy during peak periods or whenever renewables aren't available, is the answer.
The 30-megawatt, grid-connected battery is just one of the ways we’re evolving and expanding our core energy market offerings.
What is the Dalrymple North Substation?
Completed in December last year, the grid-connected battery takes a multifaceted approach to improving energy stability in the region. The substation took 30,000 hours to construct and features more than 28 kilometres of cabling.
This large-scale grid connected battery takes advantage of South Australia’s world-leading levels of wind and solar PV generation relative to demand.
The project was a joint initiative of AGL, Advisian (Worley Parsons) and Electranet and was funded in part by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The battery energy storage system is connected to ElectraNet’s Dalrymple substation.
How does it work?
While not South Australia’s largest, it was the first large-scale, grid-connected battery designed, built and operated in Australia.
It offers a fast response when something goes wrong – such as when generators or transmission lines fail. It also improves energy reliability by acting as a micro-grid with the Wattle Point Wind Farm and rooftop solar when main grid supply is lost.
The battery can provide backup power to more than 4,000 customers for up to three hours while connection to the grid is being restored, and much longer when the wind farm is able to maintain the charge in the battery.